Best Cruises for Alaska Glaciers: A Comprehensive Guide to Majestic Ice
Alaska, the Last Frontier, beckons travelers with its unparalleled natural beauty. Among its many wonders, the glaciers stand out as colossal monuments to the power and artistry of nature. Cruising offers an exceptional vantage point to witness these icy giants up close, providing an unforgettable experience. Selecting the “best” Alaska glacier cruise, however, depends on individual preferences and priorities. This comprehensive guide explores various cruise options, highlighting their unique features, itineraries, and potential drawbacks, to help you make an informed decision and embark on the Alaska glacier cruise of your dreams.
Understanding Alaska Glacier Cruises: A Primer
Before delving into specific cruise lines and itineraries, it’s crucial to understand the general landscape of Alaska glacier cruises. These voyages typically operate from May to September, the prime window for favorable weather conditions and accessibility to various glacier viewing locations. Cruises generally fall into two main categories: round-trip voyages and one-way voyages.
Round-Trip Alaska Cruises
Round-trip cruises typically depart from Seattle, Washington, or Vancouver, British Columbia. They offer the convenience of returning to the same port, simplifying travel arrangements. These cruises generally last 7 days and often focus on the Inside Passage, a network of waterways sheltered by islands, offering stunning scenery and calm waters. Glacier viewing opportunities on round-trip cruises often include Glacier Bay National Park and Hubbard Glacier, depending on the specific itinerary. The benefit is the ease of travel logistics, knowing exactly where your journey begins and ends. However, they often involve retracing part of the route, and may not cover as much geographical ground as one-way cruises.
One-Way Alaska Cruises
One-way cruises, also known as northbound or southbound cruises, typically sail between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seward or Whittier, Alaska. These cruises offer a more extensive exploration of the Alaskan coastline, allowing you to experience a wider variety of landscapes and ports. They generally last 7 days, but longer options are available. Glacier viewing opportunities are abundant, often including Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord (with its numerous tidewater glaciers), and occasionally Tracy Arm Fjord or Endicott Arm, home to the Sawyer and Dawes Glaciers, respectively. These cruises require arranging flights to one city and departing from another, potentially increasing travel complexity. However, the broader range of sights and experiences often outweighs this logistical challenge.
Choosing the Right Time to Cruise: Seasonality Matters
The time of year you choose to cruise significantly impacts your experience. May and September offer lower prices and fewer crowds, but the weather can be unpredictable, and some attractions may have limited operating hours. June, July, and August represent the peak season, offering the warmest weather and the fullest range of activities and excursions. However, these months also come with higher prices and larger crowds. Wildlife viewing also varies by season. For example, whale watching is often best in the early or late season when whales are migrating.
Top Cruise Lines for Alaska Glacier Viewing: A Detailed Comparison
Several cruise lines offer Alaska glacier cruises, each with its own unique style, amenities, and itineraries. The “best” cruise line ultimately depends on your personal preferences and budget. Here’s a detailed comparison of some of the top contenders:
Holland America Line: A Classic Alaskan Experience
Holland America Line (HAL) has a long and storied history in Alaska, dating back to the early days of tourism. They are renowned for their classic cruising experience, offering comfortable accommodations, excellent service, and a focus on destination immersion. HAL offers a wide range of Alaska cruises, including both round-trip and one-way itineraries, with numerous glacier viewing opportunities. Their ships are generally mid-sized to large, catering to a mature and discerning clientele. Onboard enrichment programs often feature naturalists and local experts who provide insights into Alaska’s history, culture, and wildlife. HAL is a solid choice for travelers seeking a traditional and enriching Alaska cruise experience, especially those who value comfort, service, and educational opportunities.
Glacier viewing with Holland America typically includes Glacier Bay National Park (HAL is a park concessioner, allowing them more frequent access) and Hubbard Glacier, known for its impressive calving displays. They often feature scenic cruising days, dedicating significant time to navigating through glacier-rich areas. Excursions often include opportunities to take smaller boats closer to the glaciers or to explore the surrounding wilderness by helicopter or floatplane.
Princess Cruises: A Focus on Glacier Bay
Princess Cruises is another popular choice for Alaska cruises, known for its extensive itineraries and strong focus on Glacier Bay National Park. Like HAL, Princess Cruises offers a wide variety of cruises, including round-trip and one-way options, with a strong emphasis on glacier viewing. Princess is also a park concessioner in Glacier Bay, offering more frequent access than many other cruise lines. Their ships are generally large and modern, catering to a broad range of travelers. Onboard amenities include multiple dining options, entertainment venues, and spa facilities. Princess Cruises is a good option for travelers seeking a comprehensive Alaska cruise experience with a strong emphasis on glacier viewing, particularly in Glacier Bay National Park.
Princess stands out for its “Voyage of the Glaciers” itineraries, which are one-way cruises specifically designed to maximize glacier viewing opportunities. These cruises typically include Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, and College Fjord, offering a diverse range of glacier experiences. Princess also offers a variety of shore excursions focused on glacier exploration, such as guided hikes, kayaking tours, and helicopter flights.
Norwegian Cruise Line: A More Flexible and Casual Option
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offers a more flexible and casual cruising experience, with a focus on “freestyle cruising,” allowing passengers to dine when and where they choose. NCL offers a variety of Alaska cruises, including both round-trip and one-way options, with glacier viewing opportunities. Their ships are generally large and modern, featuring a wide range of amenities and activities. NCL is a good option for travelers seeking a more relaxed and informal cruise experience with a variety of onboard entertainment and dining options. While NCL visits glaciers, their itineraries often prioritize port calls and onboard activities more than some other lines.
NCL’s Alaska itineraries typically include Glacier Bay National Park or Hubbard Glacier, depending on the specific sailing. While NCL offers a range of shore excursions, those focused specifically on glacier exploration may be less prominent than on other cruise lines. However, NCL’s flexible dining and entertainment options can appeal to families and travelers who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere.
Celebrity Cruises: A Premium Cruising Experience
Celebrity Cruises offers a premium cruising experience, combining sophisticated design, excellent cuisine, and personalized service. Celebrity offers a variety of Alaska cruises, including both round-trip and one-way options, with a focus on providing a refined and immersive experience. Their ships are modern and stylish, featuring luxurious accommodations and a wide range of amenities. Celebrity is a good option for travelers seeking a sophisticated and upscale Alaska cruise experience with a focus on culinary excellence and personalized service. They strike a good balance between luxury and destination immersion.
Celebrity Cruises’ Alaska itineraries typically include Glacier Bay National Park and Hubbard Glacier, offering opportunities for scenic cruising and glacier viewing. Onboard enrichment programs often feature naturalists and local experts who provide insights into Alaska’s natural history and culture. Shore excursions often include opportunities to explore the glaciers by helicopter or small boat, allowing for a more intimate experience.
Royal Caribbean International: An Active and Family-Friendly Choice
Royal Caribbean International (RCI) is known for its large, amenity-filled ships and a wide range of activities and entertainment options, making it a popular choice for families. RCI offers a variety of Alaska cruises, including both round-trip and one-way options, with glacier viewing opportunities. Their ships feature numerous onboard attractions, such as rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, and water parks. RCI is a good option for families and active travelers seeking a fun-filled and engaging Alaska cruise experience. Like NCL, their focus is broader than simply glacier viewing.
RCI’s Alaska itineraries typically include Glacier Bay National Park or Hubbard Glacier, depending on the specific sailing. While RCI offers a range of shore excursions, those focused specifically on glacier exploration may be less prominent than on other cruise lines. However, RCI’s extensive onboard activities and entertainment options can appeal to families with children and active travelers.
Small Ship Cruises: A More Intimate and Immersive Experience
For a more intimate and immersive Alaska glacier cruise experience, consider a small ship cruise. These cruises typically carry fewer than 200 passengers, allowing for a more personalized and flexible itinerary. Small ship cruises often access smaller ports and fjords that larger ships cannot reach, providing opportunities for closer encounters with wildlife and glaciers. They often feature expert naturalists and guides who provide in-depth insights into Alaska’s natural history and ecology. Small ship cruises are a good option for travelers seeking a more authentic and immersive Alaska experience, with a focus on nature and wildlife.
Companies like UnCruise Adventures, Lindblad Expeditions, and Alaskan Dream Cruises specialize in small ship Alaska cruises. Their itineraries often include Glacier Bay National Park, Tracy Arm Fjord, Endicott Arm, and other remote glacier viewing locations. Activities often include hiking, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and exploring remote communities. The higher price point reflects the more personalized service, expert guides, and access to less-visited areas.
Choosing Your Itinerary: Glacier Viewing Opportunities
The specific itinerary of your Alaska cruise will determine which glaciers you will have the opportunity to see. Here’s a closer look at some of the most popular glacier viewing destinations:
Glacier Bay National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Glacier Bay National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a highlight of many Alaska cruises. The park is home to numerous tidewater glaciers, including Margerie Glacier, Johns Hopkins Glacier, and Lamplugh Glacier. Cruising through Glacier Bay offers stunning views of these icy giants, as well as opportunities to see whales, seals, sea otters, and other wildlife. As mentioned earlier, Holland America and Princess Cruises have special concessions that allow them to visit Glacier Bay more frequently and for longer periods.
The National Park Service rangers often board cruise ships in Glacier Bay to provide commentary and answer questions about the park’s natural history and ecology. Shore excursions are limited within Glacier Bay to protect the fragile ecosystem, but opportunities for wildlife viewing and scenic cruising are abundant.
Hubbard Glacier: The “Galloping Glacier”
Hubbard Glacier is another popular glacier viewing destination on Alaska cruises. This massive tidewater glacier is known for its impressive size and frequent calving activity. The glacier’s terminus is over six miles wide and 400 feet tall, making it a truly awe-inspiring sight. Hubbard Glacier is often referred to as the “Galloping Glacier” due to its rapid advance in recent years.
Cruising near Hubbard Glacier offers opportunities to witness massive icebergs calving off the glacier’s face, creating a spectacular display of nature’s power. The surrounding waters are often teeming with wildlife, including seals, sea otters, and whales.
College Fjord: A Collection of Glaciers
College Fjord is a scenic waterway that is home to a collection of tidewater glaciers, each named after a prestigious eastern college. Harvard Glacier, Yale Glacier, Vassar Glacier, and Wellesley Glacier are among the many glaciers that line the fjord. Cruising through College Fjord offers stunning views of these glaciers, as well as opportunities to see wildlife such as whales, seals, and sea otters.
The sheer number of glaciers in College Fjord makes it a unique and memorable destination. The varying sizes and shapes of the glaciers offer a diverse range of visual experiences.
Tracy Arm Fjord and Endicott Arm: Sawyer and Dawes Glaciers
Tracy Arm Fjord and Endicott Arm are two narrow fjords that are home to the Sawyer and Dawes Glaciers, respectively. These fjords are known for their dramatic scenery, with steep granite cliffs, towering waterfalls, and pristine waters. Cruising through Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm offers opportunities to see these glaciers up close, as well as to spot wildlife such as bears, eagles, and seals.
The narrow width of these fjords can make navigation challenging for larger ships, so smaller ships often have a distinct advantage in accessing these destinations. The dramatic scenery and abundant wildlife make Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm unforgettable destinations.
Shore Excursions: Enhancing Your Glacier Experience
Shore excursions offer opportunities to enhance your Alaska glacier cruise experience and get even closer to the icy wonders. Here are some popular glacier-focused shore excursion options:
Helicopter Glacier Tours: A Bird’s-Eye View
Helicopter glacier tours offer a unique and breathtaking perspective on the glaciers. These tours typically include a scenic helicopter flight over the glaciers, followed by a landing on a glacier for a chance to walk on the ice and take photos. Helicopter glacier tours are a thrilling and unforgettable way to experience the glaciers up close.
These tours are weather-dependent, so it’s important to check the forecast before booking. The cost can be significant, but the experience is often considered well worth the investment.
Small Boat Glacier Tours: Getting Closer to the Ice
Small boat glacier tours offer opportunities to get closer to the glaciers than is possible on a large cruise ship. These tours typically operate on smaller vessels, such as catamarans or Zodiac boats, allowing for greater maneuverability and access to narrower waterways. Small boat glacier tours offer opportunities to see glaciers calving, observe wildlife, and learn about the glaciers from experienced guides.
These tours are often more intimate and personalized than large ship excursions. They offer a great way to experience the glaciers in a more immersive way.
Kayaking Tours: Paddling Among the Icebergs
Kayaking tours offer a unique and adventurous way to explore the glaciers and surrounding waters. These tours typically involve paddling through calm waters, surrounded by icebergs and stunning scenery. Kayaking tours offer opportunities to see wildlife, get some exercise, and experience the glaciers from a unique perspective.
No prior kayaking experience is usually required, but a basic level of fitness is recommended. These tours often provide all necessary equipment and instruction.
Glacier Hiking: Trekking on the Ice
Glacier hiking tours offer the opportunity to trek on a glacier with experienced guides. These tours typically involve hiking on the glacier with crampons, ice axes, and other safety equipment. Glacier hiking tours offer a challenging and rewarding way to experience the glaciers up close and learn about their formation and dynamics.
These tours require a reasonable level of fitness and the ability to walk on uneven terrain. The guides provide all necessary equipment and instruction.
Tips for Planning Your Alaska Glacier Cruise
Planning an Alaska glacier cruise can be an exciting but overwhelming process. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip:
Book in Advance: Secure Your Preferred Itinerary and Cabin
Alaska cruises are popular, especially during the peak season. Booking in advance is essential to secure your preferred itinerary, cabin type, and shore excursions. Booking early also often allows you to take advantage of early booking discounts.
Consider booking at least six months in advance, or even a year in advance for popular itineraries and cabin types.
Pack for All Types of Weather: Layers are Key
Alaska weather can be unpredictable, even during the summer months. Packing for all types of weather is essential to stay comfortable and enjoy your cruise. Layers are key, allowing you to adjust your clothing to changing conditions.
Pack items such as waterproof jackets and pants, warm sweaters, hats, gloves, and comfortable walking shoes. Don’t forget sunscreen and insect repellent.
Bring Binoculars: Enhance Your Wildlife Viewing
Binoculars are essential for enhancing your wildlife viewing opportunities. Alaska is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including whales, seals, sea otters, eagles, and bears. Binoculars will allow you to see these animals up close and appreciate their beauty.
Choose a pair of binoculars with good magnification and clarity.
Consider Travel Insurance: Protect Your Investment
Travel insurance is essential to protect your investment in case of unforeseen circumstances, such as illness, injury, or trip cancellation. Travel insurance can cover medical expenses, trip cancellation fees, and lost luggage.
Choose a travel insurance policy that provides comprehensive coverage for your needs.
Read Reviews and Research: Make an Informed Decision
Before booking your Alaska glacier cruise, read reviews and research different cruise lines, itineraries, and shore excursions. This will help you make an informed decision and choose the cruise that best meets your needs and preferences.
Consider reading reviews from other travelers on websites such as Cruise Critic, TripAdvisor, and Yelp.
Responsible Glacier Viewing: Protecting the Environment
As we enjoy the beauty and wonder of Alaska’s glaciers, it’s important to be mindful of our impact on the environment. Responsible glacier viewing practices help protect these fragile ecosystems for future generations.
Respect Wildlife: Maintain a Safe Distance
When viewing wildlife, it’s important to maintain a safe distance and avoid disturbing the animals. Observe wildlife from a distance, and avoid feeding or approaching them. Follow the guidelines provided by park rangers and tour guides.
Use binoculars to view wildlife from a distance, and avoid using flash photography, which can startle the animals.
Minimize Your Impact: Leave No Trace
When exploring the glaciers and surrounding areas, minimize your impact on the environment by leaving no trace. Pack out everything you pack in, and avoid littering. Stay on designated trails to avoid damaging vegetation and disturbing wildlife.
Dispose of waste properly, and avoid using single-use plastics. Consider bringing your own reusable water bottle and shopping bag.
Support Sustainable Tourism: Choose Eco-Friendly Operators
Support sustainable tourism by choosing cruise lines and tour operators that are committed to environmental responsibility. Look for companies that have implemented eco-friendly practices, such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and supporting local communities.
Ask cruise lines and tour operators about their environmental policies and practices.
Educate Yourself: Learn About Glaciers and Climate Change
Educate yourself about glaciers and the impact of climate change on these fragile ecosystems. Learn about the formation and dynamics of glaciers, and understand the challenges they face in a changing climate. Share your knowledge with others and advocate for policies that protect glaciers and the environment.
Visit the National Park Service website to learn more about glaciers and climate change.
Conclusion: Embark on Your Alaskan Adventure
An Alaska glacier cruise is an unforgettable experience that offers stunning views of icy giants, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking scenery. By carefully considering your preferences, researching different cruise lines and itineraries, and planning your shore excursions, you can create a personalized Alaska glacier cruise that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations. Remember to practice responsible glacier viewing and support sustainable tourism to help protect these fragile ecosystems for future generations. So, pack your bags, grab your binoculars, and embark on your Alaskan adventure!
